There’s a new President of the United States in ABC’s new series, Designated Survivor… and he’s played by Kiefer Sutherland! That’s significant promotion from Sutherland’s previous TV character, Jack Bauer on 24. And while Sutherland recently joined 24: Legacy as an executive producer, he’s got his hands full running the free world on ABC!
Deadline is reporting that ABC has given Designated Survivor an early pickup, which guarantees a spot for the series on ABC’s 2016-2017 TV schedule. In the series, Sutherland will play Tom Kirkman, a cabinet member who finds himself thrust into the Presidency when a terrorist attack devastates Washington D.C.’s leaders. That may be why Kirkman is wearing such informal clothing at his swearing in ceremony, as seen in this new promo released by ABC.
Related: Kiefer Sutherland Says 24 Is ‘Definitely Over’ For Him
Designated Survivor will be a conspiracy thriller, which has already lined up Maggie Q, Kal Penn, Adan Canto, Italia Ricci, LaMonica Garrett, Tanner Buchanan, and Natascha McElhon to co-star in the series. Designated Survivor was created and written by David Guggenheim, with a pilot episode by director Paul McGuigan. ABC is reportedly so high on this series that Designated Survivor ads may run during the NBA playoffs, which suggests the network is eyeing a fall launch date for the show.
Are you excited to see Sutherland coming back to television so soon? And are you intrigued by the premise of Designated Survivor? Nominate your thoughts and share them in the duly elected comment section below!
